Garrett, Akens shot put their way into NCAA semifinals

SAN ANTONIO — UTSA shot put specialists Richard Garrett Jr. and Andrew Akens on Thursday advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.

Garrett and Akens made it through the opening round and the quarterfinals in an afternoon competition in Fayetteville, Ark., at the NCAA West Preliminary.

The first weekend of the outdoor championships runs through Saturday at McDonnell Stadium.

Garrett placed fifth in a field of 48 athletes with a heave of 63 feet, 7 and 3/4 inches. Akens placed eighth with a 60-8 3/4. Twelve athletes advanced.

Meanwhile,UTSA’s trio of Keyunta Hayes, Joshua Smith and Jurmarcus Shelvin advanced to the quarterfinals of the 400 hurdles. Nate Brunette also moved past the first round and into the quarters in the 100 meters. All four are scheduled to compete on Friday with a trip to the semis on the line.

The semifinals and finals will take place from June 11-14 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.